Wednesday, January 8, 2025–9:40 a.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
With the threat of snow and possibly ice in the forecast for Friday and Saturday, now is the time to prepare.
According to Floyd County Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director Chris Fincher, preparedness is especially important for those who live near some well-known problem areas when there is winter weather.
“If you live in an area, you know what it is, because you live there,” he said. “Go ahead and start thinking about those detours, what you need to do, and what you need to pack in your car. Right now is the time to pack a bag–if you need to put something in there like hand warmers or extra shoes. Please pack shoes. We don’t want you out there in Crocs and high heels trying to walk in snow and ice.”
Fincher added that it’s also a good idea to pack some clothes just in case you have to stay overnight at someone else’s house and be careful where you park your car.
“Especially if you are warming your car in the morning,” he said. “This was something that I recently saw an advisory about—if you have your vehicle in a carport, and you are warming it up, be careful about carbon monoxide buildup. You want to vent it. If you are backed up to something, you don’t want anything, like a burm, covering your exhaust. You want to make sure there is a free flow from your exhaust because you do not want to get carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Whenever temperatures are below freezing, hypothermia can sneak up on you.
“So, just pay careful attention,” Fincher added. “Don’t stay outside for an extended period of time, because it can get you before you even realize it.”
You can download the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency app for weather updates and resources. You can also download the WRGA News app for updates on road conditions, power outages and more.